Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain water quality and environmental monitoring for the protection of appropriate conditions for aquatic cultured or held stock. It includes recording data and the ability to brief team members on monitoring and sampling activities, and the use of monitoring equipment or technology.
The unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for ensuring appropriate conditions for stock in an aquaculture setting, working under broad direction.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, biosecurity and environmental regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
1. Plan for monitoring | 1.1 Identify water quality and environmental parameters to be monitored 1.2 Collect required equipment, including personal protective equipment, and check for serviceability 1.3 Confer with team members on routine monitoring tasks to be completed and the correct use of the required equipment or technology |
2. Observe monitoring and sampling activities | 2.1 Check monitoring and sampling tests are undertaken according to workplace procedures 2.2 Collect and store samples that require further analysis according to workplace requirements 2.3 Ensure water quality and monitoring data has been recorded according to workplace procedures |
3. Complete monitoring activities | 3.1 Check cleaning of work area and disposal of waste materials is completed according to workplace procedures 3.2 Check condition, maintenance requirements and storage of tools and equipment 3.3 Record relevant data and observations, and report any abnormal records to supervisor |
Evidence of Performance
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.
There must be evidence that the individual has maintained water quality and environmental monitoring activities on at least one occasion, including:
coordinating and briefing team members on water quality and environmental monitoring activities
fitting personal protective equipment
preparing, using and maintaining monitoring equipment or technology
checking that samples for analysis have been collected and stored correctly
maintaining accurate records on monitoring activities
monitoring the cleaning of the work area after monitoring activities.
Evidence of Knowledge
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
routine and non-routine water quality and environmental parameters relevant to aquatic stock and/or facility
types and purposes of water quality tests and sampling used in the workplace
procedures for monitoring collection, preservation and submission of samples for analysis
types, purpose and function of monitoring equipment options
operating methods and maintenance of monitoring equipment
relevant legislation relating to maintaining water quality and environmental parameters for aquatic stock.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:
physical conditions:
skills must be demonstrated in an aquaculture workplace or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions
resources, equipment and materials:
monitoring equipment
water quality sampling tests
personal protective equipment
culture or holding structure and medium
recording or reporting forms
specifications:
workplace procedures for monitoring water quality and environmental factors, including advice on health and safety requirements
relationships:
evidence of interactions with team members.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret manufacturer specifications for monitoring equipment |
Writing | Complete workplace forms legibly and accurately using correct technical terminology |
Numeracy | Measure and calculate volume Interpret settings and results on monitoring machines and test kits |
Oral communication | Explain observed monitoring data to supervisor or other staff using appropriate language |
Interact with others | Understand what to communicate, with whom and how, in routine work situations |
Get the work done | Sequence and allocate water quality and environmental monitoring activities for self and others |
Sectors
Aquaculture (AQU)